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About Thrive Protocol

What is Thrive Protocol?

Thrive Protocol is a physician-developed surgical nutrition program designed to support your body before surgery, during recovery, and throughout rehabilitation. Surgery places significant metabolic stress on the body and can increase muscle breakdown, inflammation, and nutritional demand. Thrive Protocol provides targeted clinical nutrients, including high-quality protein, leucine, glutamine, collagen, creatine, omega‑3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, to help preserve lean muscle, support tissue repair, promote wound healing, and improve strength and recovery outcomes. Thrive Protocol is intended to complement (not replace) a healthy, balanced diet and your surgeon’s care plan.

Who developed Thrive Protocol?

Thrive Protocol was developed in collaboration with physicians and clinical experts specializing in orthopedic surgery, musculoskeletal recovery, and surgical rehabilitation. The protocol is grounded in clinical research demonstrating that optimizing nutrition before and after surgery can support healing, reduce complications, preserve strength, and improve recovery outcomes.

Who should use Thrive Protocol?

Thrive Protocol is recommended for:
• Patients preparing for surgery (orthopedic, joint replacement, spine, sports medicine procedures, and more)
• Patients recovering from surgery
• Individuals recovering from injury or returning to activity
• Patients seeking to preserve muscle mass during periods of physical stress

Always consult your healthcare provider for individualized guidance, especially if you have medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or are under active treatment.

Can I use Thrive Protocol even if I am not having surgery?

Yes. Thrive Protocol products can support muscle health, recovery, and strength for injury rehabilitation, athletic recovery, and periods of increased physical stress.

What’s Included in Thrive Protocol

What is included in the Surgical Protocol Kit?

The Surgical Protocol Kit includes:
• 4 week, 3 month or 6 month supply of OptiFuel Protein (daily protein + targeted recovery nutrients)
• 2 packets OptiCharge (carbohydrate and hydration drink taken the night before surgery)
• Shaker bottle for easy mixing

What is included in the Recovery Protocol Kit?

The Recovery Protocol Kit includes:
• 4 week, 3 month or 6 month supply of OptiFuel Protein
• Shaker bottle

This kit is designed to support muscle preservation and healing following surgery or injury.

What is Recovery & Strength Mix?

Recovery & Strength Mix is formulated to support muscle strength, cellular energy production, and recovery, especially during rehabilitation and return‑to‑activity phases. It contains creatine monohydrate, leucine, glutamine, arginine, and branched‑chain amino acids (BCAAs).

When and How to Take Thrive Protocol

When should I start Thrive Protocol?

Many physicians recommend beginning the Thrive Protocol 7-14 days prior to surgery and continuing consistently through recovery. However, patients may still benefit even if they begin shortly before surgery or immediately after surgery.

When should I take OptiFuel?

Take 1 serving daily.


Best practices:
• Take OptiFuel between your regular meals (not as a meal replacement)
• Many people take one serving after breakfast or mid‑morning
• Consider taking OptiFuel after physical therapy or exercise (when cleared by your provider)

Many physicians recommend continuing OptiFuel for several months after surgery to support muscle preservation and
strength recovery.

When should I take OptiCharge?

Take both OptiCharge servings the evening before surgery, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

OptiCharge is designed to support hydration and metabolic readiness leading into surgery.

If your recovery includes prolonged immobilization, limited activity, or intensive rehab, longer support may be beneficial, follow your provider’s guidance.

Can I take the Recovery and Strength Mix with OptiFuel?

Yes! We believe this is the optimal approach. In this case we recommend taking one serving of OptiFuel between breakfast and lunch and one serving of the Recovery and Strength Mix between lunch and dinner, or vice versa.

What if my surgery date is less than 2 weeks from now?

You can still benefit. Start Thrive Protocol as soon as possible and continue consistently after surgery. Studies have examined both beginning loading prior to surgery and beginning supplementation immediately after surgery. While there is no direct comparison, both approaches appear to be beneficial.

What happens if I miss a day?

Missing an occasional day will not ruin your progress. Resume your regular schedule as soon as possible. Consistency is recommended for the best results, set reminders or link your servings to a daily routine (like breakfast).

Mixing Instructions

How do I mix OptiFuel?

Add one packet to 12–16 oz of water, milk, or a milk alternative and shake thoroughly. You can also blend OptiFuel into smoothies.
Tips:
• For a thicker texture, use less liquid or add ice
• For a smoother texture, blend instead of shaking
• Enjoy immediately after mixing for best taste and consistency

How do I mix OptiCharge?

Add one packet to 12–16 oz of water and shake thoroughly. We recommend mixing with water for optimal absorption.

Important: Do not mix OptiCharge with milk or milk alternatives.

Can I mix OptiFuel with warm liquids?

Yes. OptiFuel can be mixed with warm liquids, but very hot liquids may cause clumping. If using warm liquid, start with lukewarm temperatures and shake or blend thoroughly.

Can I use Thrive Protocol as a meal replacement?

No. Thrive Protocol is not intended to replace meals. It is designed to supplement a well‑balanced diet and help meet increased protein and recovery nutrient needs.

Contraindications, Allergens, and Special Considerations

Can I use Thrive Protocol if I have diabetes?

If you have diabetes, consult your healthcare provider before using Thrive Protocol.


General guidance:
• Type 1 Diabetes: Do not use OptiCharge without consulting with your physician. We recommend purchasing the recovery protocol kit and avoiding carbohydrate loading as a general rule
• Type 2 Diabetes: Studies show that the carbohydrate loading, such as OptiCharge, prior to surgery is well-tolerated and beneficial.

Can I use Thrive Protocol if I have lactose intolerance?

Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate OptiFuel depending on their sensitivity and the specific formulation. If you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider and contact our support team for product‑specific guidance.

Can I use Thrive Protocol if I have kidney disease?

If you have end stage kidney disease or have been instructed to limit protein intake, consult your healthcare provider before using OptiFuel or increasing protein intake.

Can I use Thrive Protocol if I am taking medications?

Many people who use Thrive Protocol are on some sort of medication as well. The potential for medication interactions is very low. If you have concerns about potential interactions, consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Does Thrive Protocol cause digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation?

Thrive Protocol is generally well‑tolerated. If you experience digestive discomfort, consider taking OptiFuel with adequate fluid and between meals. If symptoms persist, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider. You can also contact our support team for assistance.

What if I do not tolerate Whey Protein?

An alternative would be use the Recovery and Strength Mix alone. If you are using for surgery, you can purchase the Endurance Pack for carbohydrate loading prior to surgery.

What are common allergens in Thrive Protocol products?

Allergen information depends on product and formulation. If you have food allergies, review the label carefully and consult your provider.


Examples of potential allergens that may apply (depending on the product):
• Milk (dairy-based protein)
• Coconut
• Soy
• Corn (carbohydrate drink)


If you have a known severe allergy, consult your provider before use.

Shipping and Logistics

What is the estimated duration for shipping my order?

Shipping time varies by destination. Most orders arrive within 5–10 business days depending on location and carrier transit times. Expedited options may be available at checkout for an additional cost. We recommend expedited shipping if your surgery is within 2 weeks.

When will my order be processed/shipped?

Orders placed on business days before 12:30 pm pacific standard time generally ship the same day. Orders placed after 12:30 pm pacific standard time generally ship the next business day. Orders placed on weekends or holidays are fulfilled the next business day.

What should I do if my order status shows “delivered” but I have not received it?

If your tracking shows “delivered” but you haven’t received your package:

1) Verify your shipping address in your order confirmation
2) Check with household members, neighbors, or building staff
3) Look around your property for alternate drop‑off locations
4) Contact the carrier with your tracking number for additional details

If you still cannot locate the package, contact our support team and we will help you investigate and resolve the issue.

Returns

How do I initiate a return?

If you purchased on our website, contact Thrive Protocol customer support and we will guide you through the return process.

Please have your order number available. A $25 re-stocking fee applies.

If you purchased through a clinic or durable medical equipment (DME) store, return policies may differ, please contact the clinic/DME directly.

Can I return an item without the original packaging?

If possible, return items in the original packaging. If you no longer have it, contact support at Info@mythriveprotocol.com.

Returns may still be accepted if items are in original condition and meet return eligibility requirements.

Do I need to pay for return shipping?

Yes. If an item is being returned, you will need to provide your own shipping label.

Can I exchange for a different flavor?

If flavor exchanges are available for your order, support will coordinate an exchange as long as inventory is available.

What if my item arrives damaged or defective?

While rare, if your product arrives damaged or defective, contact support right away. We will work with you to make it right.

Payment Options

What payment options do you accept?

We accept major credit cards. Eligible purchases may also be made using HSA/FSA payment methods. We may offer buy‑now‑pay‑later options such as shop pay, PayPal and digital wallet options upon checkout..

Can I make payments in installments?

Yes, when installment options are available at checkout you can select a buy‑now‑pay‑later provider and follow the prompts to choose a payment plan. Approval and terms are handled by the provider.

Is my payment information secure?

Yes. Payments are processed using industry‑standard encryption and security practices. Thrive Protocol does not store full credit card details on our servers.

Why was my credit card declined?

A declined card can happen for several reasons, including incorrect billing details, insufficient funds, or bank fraud protections. Double‑check your billing information and try again. If the issue persists, try another payment method or contact your bank to approve the transaction.

Storage and Expiration

How should Thrive Protocol products be stored?

Store products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excess heat. Keep packets sealed until use.

Do Thrive Protocol products expire?

Yes. Please refer to the expiration date printed on the packaging for the most accurate information.